Andrew Watt Departs Association of Fundraising Professionals

AFP Announces Jason Lee as Interim-CEO

June 7, 2016 (Arlington, VA) – Andrew Watt, FInstF, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) announced today that he is stepping down from the organization after ten years of service.

Watt has served as AFP’s president and CEO since 2011. He joined AFP as vice president for international development in 2006 and was promoted to chief programs officer in 2008. He is credited with expanding AFP’s international reach and impact, as well as cultivating expanded professional development and ethics offerings to fundraisers in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America.

“Twenty-five years of service to the fundraising community – the last ten with AFP – has been profoundly fulfilling,” Watt said.

“Andrew leaves an enviable legacy that has brought immeasurable benefit to professional fundraisers the world over,” said Board Chairman Patrick Feeley, CFRE. “His emphasis on public policy, education and ethics has fortified bonds between fundraisers and philanthropists. Additionally, he has supported the fundraising community by creating strong agendas for advocacy and for diversity and inclusion.”

Jason Lee, AFP general counsel, has been appointed interim president and CEO. Lee is a twelve-year AFP employee whose tenure began as the organization’s director of government relations.

“Jason has a phenomenal understanding of the external influences on fundraising and philanthropy. That and his breadth of institutional knowledge are highly attractive to our members at this pivotal time,” said Feeley.

In accepting his interim title and duties, Lee expressed gratitude to Watt, his friend and mentor, for his ability to bring together a community of fundraisers and partners from around the world through strategic planning and a forward-thinking approach to a global culture of philanthropy.

Lee says he is motivated by the strong sense of mission exhibited by AFP members and staff. “The sense of unity and commitment to the pillars of our strategic plan among our volunteer leaders and my staff colleagues is inspiring, and I am deeply privileged to have the opportunity to continue our forward path.”

Lee is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He received a master’s degree from the University of Binghamton and a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. He lives in Chantilly, VA, with his wife and daughters.

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Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has inspired global change—helping nonprofits and charities and supporting fundraising efforts that have generated more than $1 trillion. AFP advances effective and ethical philanthropy by providing advocacy, research, education, mentoring, collaboration and technology opportunities for the world’s largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP’s more than 33,000 members raise over $115 billion annually, equivalent to more than one-third of charitable giving in North America, with millions more generated around the world. For more information, go to www.afpnet.org.